Apii Saint Joseph’s Primary began their prize-giving event by attending a beautiful Thanksgiving Mass at the St Joseph’s Cathedral joined by their parents and families, to express gratitude for the blessings received throughout the year.

Following the Mass, the school and families gathered at the school grounds for the announcements of the academic, sports and life skills awards.

Grade six student, Regina Williams (10) was delighted to receive the school’s Dux or Most Outstanding Student award – the Quincy Tuiravakai Memorial trophy.

“I felt really excited, I wanted to jump,” said Williams.

“I want to thank my favourite cousin Desiree (Taurarii), she’s been helping me with my homework, and my family.”

This year, thanks to the PTA (Parents, Teachers Association), every child received a small gift so no child would miss out.

Reflecting on the changes and challenges in her first year as principal, Anna Rauru expressed her gratitude to the teachers and the education community, to the parents and the PTA (Parents, Teachers Association).

“You are all incredible, a dedicated and hardworking team. I appreciate your expertise, encouragement and mostly your support for our students. Thank you, may God bless you all and your families,” she said.

“We have a great leadership team which thrives on change, diversity and progress. The team is focussed on learning, using current theory and evidence to improve professional practice.

“The teaching and learning programmes continue to progress and acquire achievements despite the ever changing social, learning and emotional needs that we are confronted with.

“The world our students are stepping into is very different to the world we, or parents stepped into when leaving school. It is critical that we provide an education that prepares our students for their future, and enables them to embrace diversity.”

Rauru said next year further developments are in the pipeline when the refreshed curriculum for English and Mathematics is trialled.

She was impressed with the learners.

“They have all progressed very much, spiritually, educationally and socially. I’m proud of each and every one of you and it’s important to remember that no matter what, we celebrate all the achievements of our children, and support them to be the best that they can be. Our learners are what makes our school special.”

Sadly, this is Sister Luisa Nava’s last year at St Joseph’s. She has been a part of the school community for eight years and has been a great asset for the school.

Following the academic awards the students staged a well presented biblical play. Students and families then enjoyed refreshments together. Melina Etches

St Joseph’s School Year 3 – Year 6 awards.

Year 3 Awards: Literacy and Māori - Alesi Ralulu; Māori and Attendance - Tama Maxwell; Special Māori Award - Tamanui Savage Maui; English ad Numeracy - Prince Jonald Carbonera; Spelling - James Short; Theme Studies - Afanaisa Bogitini; Religious Education - Luka Rose Akava; Diligence - Temana Toa and Lindsay Reese Uayan; Most Improved Student: Liam Maruariki and Lachlan Berry; Environment - Daniel Tiaiti; Leadership - Fetia Matakino.

Year 4 Awards: Literacy and Religious Education - Teruina Elisa; English and Numeracy - Frederick Vaurasi; Māori and Diligence - Taurian Utanga; Theme Studies - Saileon Sijp. Special award for Māori, attendance and neatness - Maine Rebollos; Most Improved Student Award - Rimaira Cowan; Environment Award - Raphaella Kavana; Leadership Award - William Taripo. Overall Outstanding Student - Teruina Elisa, Runner-up Outstanding Student - Taurian Utanga.

Year 5 Awards. Literacy and Māori - Karl Ingaua; Numeracy - Beniamina Tuteru; Theme Studies and Diligence awards - Jespina Van Eijk; Religious Education - John Saunivalu. Diligence and Leadership - Isaiah Vaurasi; Spelling - Mike Tabirao; Most Improved Student - Max Fonorito; Environment Award - Randolph George and Stanley Putaura. Overall Outstanding Student - Karl Ingaua; Runner-up Outstanding Students - Beniamina Tuteru and Denzel Tupa Nicholas.

Year 6 awards: Dux – Overall Outstanding Student in Year 6 – Regina Williams received the Quincy Tuiravakai Memorial trophy and prizes; Runner-up Outstanding Student Bishop Paul Donoghue trophy – equal Patrina Tua and Desiree Taurarii; Life Skills and Inclusive Educative - Tuira Purua and Roseline Aue; Literacy, Theme studies and Diligence - Iokimi and Anna Narovu; Māori and Theme studies - Michelle Williams; English Reading - Ron Crocombe; Numeracy and Religious Education - Desiree Taurarii; Diligence - Elleina Napa; Most Improved Student - Charma Puia and Ngaara Tuake; Most Well Mannered - Anne Marie Elisa; Environment Award - Alana Lockington and Metua Peua; Leadership Award - Gabral Tiaore; Sportsman/Sportswoman -  Elijah Ta’ala and Joelyn Hill.

Father Freddy Kaina and Bishop and Bishop Reynaldo Getalado presented the awards to the Year 6 students.